Lakewood's Strand marks 90th anniversary

1:30 PM,
Nov. 30, 2012

A photo of the Strand as it looked in 1925.

Written by

Laura Martin
| @APPLauraMartin

The Strand Center for the Arts has had its fair share of ups and downs since it opened its doors as an entertainment venue 90 years ago. The historic Lakewood building has provided a stage for everything from big-name performers during its heyday to adult films during times it was economically struggling.

Built by architect Thomas Lamb - known for his designs of theaters across the country - the Strand opened as a silent-film and vaudeville house in 1922.

The first event was a showing of "Peacock Alley," a silent film that featured Mae Murray, which was followed by five vaudeville acts. This ...